Chloral hydrate

CLINICAL USE

Insomnia (short-term use)

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

Mixture: 5–20 mL at night Welldorm (707 mg): 1–2 tablets at night; maximum 2 g (5 tablets/day)Syrup: 15–45 mL at night

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight                           :165.4
  • %Protein binding                           :70–80
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine     : <1
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg)       :0.6
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)      :7–11/–

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

  • 20 to 50     : Dose as in normal renal function
  • 10 to 20     : 1 tablet at night
  • <10           : Avoid

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD                :Unknown dialysability. Avoid
  • HD                     :Dialysed. Avoid
  • HDF/high flux   :Dialysed. Avoid
  • CAV/VVHD      :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR=10–20 mL/min

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs

  • Anticoagulants: may transiently enhance effect of coumarins
  • Antipsychotics: enhanced sedative effects
  • Antivirals: concentration possibly increased by ritonavir

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

    Route

    Oral

    Rate of Administration

    Comments

    Take with water (or milk) 15–30 minutes before bedtime

    OTHER INFORMATION

  • Avoid in patients with marked hepatic or renal impairment, severe cardiac disease, marked gastritis and those susceptible to acute attacks of porphyria
  • Chloral hydrate followed by intravenous furosemide may result in sweating, hot flushes, and variable blood pressure including hypertension.
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